Does knuckle cracking cause arthritis?

Ingold

Likely not. I'm not saying "definitely no" because, while cracking knuckles is common, research on its effects is not. We have only a handful of studies on the subject. None shows a definite link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. http://www.providence.org/Oregon/Health_Resource_Centers/Arthritis/AskAnExpert_Arthritis_knuckles.htm Aug 06 07, 8:12 AM

zbeckabee

Probably not. A joint is an area where two or more separate and distinct bones meet. The joint fluid provides a cushioning between the joints so that they don't grate into each other. Cracking your knuckles forces the joint fluid from one part of the joint to another, and the popping sound is just the result of the high pressured rushing of fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the loss of joint fluid from the joint, but it results from damage to the linings of the joint itself. It's tempting to claim that the high pressure flushing of fluid during a knuckle "crack" can cause damage to the lining, but there simply is no evidence to that effect. http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bio99/bio99443.htm Aug 06 07, 9:14 AM

McGruff

Also see Question #33088. punk boy asks: What happens when you crack your knuckles? http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question33088.html Aug 06 07, 10:21 AM